Month: July 2016

The hard work of preparing for the new season continued after the full-time whistle blew on Saturday’s 5-0 friendly win over East Region Junior Superleague team Penicuik Athletic.
Club officials quickly made moves to sign the two trialists who played the second half of the game and that means former Falkirk player Cameron Hogg and ex-Stirling Albion man, Craig Comrie, who scored the fourth goal at Penicuik Park, will be Shire players this season.

Comrie played 26 matches for League 2 Albion last season and made more than 60 appearances in total for the Forthbank men since graduating from Falkirk FC’s successful youth academy.

Shire coach John Sludden was pleased overall with the team’s display against the junior side, their final practice run before Tuesday night’s Betfred Cup trip to Stranraer.

“It’s all part of the preparation,” he said afterwards. “The good things were scoring five goals and keeping a clean sheet and the 90 minutes which a few of the boys needed and which they got.

“All-in-all it was good preparation for Tuesday .”

The Shire coach says he’s looking forward to the start of competitive action, although the change in format of the League Cup to four team sections does give scope for further experimentation.

“I’ve even heard Premier League managers say they are going to treat these games almost as an extension of pre-season,” said John. “A few of the guys probably do still need some playing time but they are just going to have to go into Tuesday night with what they have.”

It’ll certainly be tough for Shire who will have to follow a trip to Stranraer on Tuesday with a home game against Rangers on Friday.

The coach says that could turn out to be a positive.

“It’s almost like a pre-season schedule,” he said. “That’s the kind of thing you do in pre-season.

“But we looked sharp (against Penicuik) and we also played well against Ayr United which was pleasing, so we will just need to be ready for these games.”

The victory over Penicuik was completed with two goals from new striker David Grant and two more from returning front man, Jamie Glasgow. Jamie is enjoying things with Shire second time around.

“It was an easy decision to make to return,” said Jamie. “It’s good to be back and see some of the same familiar faces and get a warm welcome. Training’s been good and I’m looking forward to the season and it’s great to get back among the goals as well.”

Although the coaching staff are new to the club, Jamie says he is very familiar with the methods of head coach John Sludden, who is no stranger to the striker.

“I worked with John at youth level and at Camelon as well,” he said. “I like his philosophy of playing football and it’s good to play under him. It’s given me confidence to get on the ball and make things happen.”

Former Alloa Athletic, Stenhousemuir and Stirling Albion defender Scott Buist is the latest player to sign up for Shire’s first-ever Lowland League season.

The 31 year-old revived his playing career with the Forthbank club in League 2 last season after fearing that injury had brought his playing days to a premature end.

Scott featured also as a trialist for Montrose against Shire in January of this year in a game at Links Park.

He was a regular over a number of seasons for both The Wasps and The Warriors and his years of valuable experience at a very good grade of football will be vital for Shire, especially in the heart of defence.

East Stirlingshire FC and Football Nation Teamwear today announced a deal which sees Joma become the Club’s official kit manufacturer.

It will see East Stirlingshire wear Joma home and away kits for the 2016/17 Lowland League season.

Joma, the Spanish sports giant, has a significant presence in Scottish senior football and is delighted to add East Stirlingshire FC to its portfolio of clubs.

Football Nation, the Edinburgh-based football retailer and team kit supplier, has brokered the deal and will implement the delivery of the kit.

The joint partnership between East Stirlingshire FC, Joma, and Football Nation ensures the best people are on hand to make sure the players and fans of East Stirlingshire have the kit they deserve.

Additionally, Football Nation will also operate a new online club shop in a deal that will increase retail revenue for the club.

Andrew Williamson, Secretary of East Stirlingshire FC said, “East Stirlingshire FC is delighted to be able to announce this fantastic partnership with Joma Sport and Football Nation for the 2016/17 Lowland League season.

“This is a landmark deal for East Stirlingshire FC and once again shows how well we can work with local and international businesses and brands.

“Joma and Football Nation will bring their own unique brand and ideas to the partnership, ensuring they can assist us at the club both on and off the field of play. We all share the same focus of delivering a winning team which will be an incredibly important part of this partnership going forward.

“I believe that Football Nation and Joma have some outstanding people we can work closely with to continue to deliver quality products to our fans.2

Steven Dow, Managing Director of Football Nation, added,”At Football Nation Teamwear we pride ourselves on delivering high quality team kits to all of our teams, no matter their level.

“This partnership with East Stirlingshire and Joma covers both on and off the pitch activities, thus allowing the team to perform at its best knowing it has a high performance kit whilst we can also improve the retail fortunes of the club.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for each of the partners involved to deliver quality to the team, value and choice to the supporters and a good revenue stream.”

Season tickets for Shire’s 2016/17 Lowland League campaign are now available to buy via the club’s newly-launched online store.

As well as a range of club merchandise which will widen in the weeks ahead, fans can also purchase their passes to the weekly unfolding drama of our first-ever Lowland League season.

Buying a season ticket online is as easy as following the link to our online store at www.thefootballnation.co.uk/east-stirlingshire-club-shop .

There are two season ticket options; Gold, which gives a range of benefits, including admission to any pyramid play-off games, and Standard which allows access to each of Shire’s 15 Lowland League matches at Ochilview.

Gold season tickets cost £150 for adults and Standard is prices at £80. With walk-up prices set at £8 this season, it makes sense to buy your season ticket.

The first game which season tickets are valid is the Ochilview encounter with Vale of Leithen on Saturday 6th August, so get yours now.